Auckland's 3-Event Weekend

Some weekends have all the luck! On the weekend of March 6 to 8, Auckland is fizzing with excitement as three events draw visitors to the city.

Auckland Festival 2009 will be in full swing, this year with a ‘Pacific Ocean’ theme; the Auckland International Boat Show will be afloat at Viaduct Basin; and Auckland Cup Week will be coming to a stylish close with ‘Ladies Day’ at Ellerslie Race Course.

Celebrating the Pacific Ocean - Auckland Festival 2009

	Ishinha Nostalgia, Auckland Festival
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Following a Pacific Ocean theme, this year’s festival includes the world premiere of Gathering Clouds, a new work by leading New Zealand dance company Black Grace. Performances by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Eckehard Stier will also be a major drawcard.

The visiting international theatrical performances and exhibitions booked for the festival are diverse and challenging. With the mesmerizing Nostalgia, the dynamic Japanese company Ishinha will be bringing its unique performance style to New Zealand for the first time. Another special highlight will be Robert Lepage’s company Ex Machina presenting The Andersen Project, created for the 200th anniversary of Hans Christian Andersen.

The festival will also present Siren, a surprise sell-out hit at last year’s Edinburgh Festival. Created by UK sound artist Ray Lee, Siren is an enthralling installation performance that exists on the border between the performing and visual arts. This whirling, spinning spectacle of mechanical movement, electronic sound and light will be hosted at the Vehicle Gallery, MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology).

Many other theatrical, musical and artistic performances are booked for the Auckland Festival. The full programme is available on the festival’s website.

The Auckland International Boat Show

	Auckland International Boat Show as seen from a Helicopter
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At this nautical celebration you can get a look inside just about every kind of recreational vessel imaginable. Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off, because otherwise you’ll be forever tying your shoelaces! Many major international boat producers are represented here, as well as local boat builders. This year’s extra-special guest is Earthrace, the NZ-built, biodiesel-powered trimaran that recently circumnavigated the world in record time.

As well as the on-the-water displays, the land-based exhibits will include electronics, information about boating, cruising and fishing in New Zealand, marinas and safety gear.

Ladies Day at the races

	Auckland Cup at Ellerslie Race course.
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